The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the cruise line industry as numerous passengers and workers on cruise ships have been infected with the coronavirus. If you or a loved one has developed coronavirus while on a cruise ship, contact J&Y Law.
We are a premier California personal injury practice dedicated to holding cruise lines accountable for allowing the coronavirus to spread on their vessels. Although cruise lines and their insurers typically deny liability for harm caused by infectious diseases on cruise ships, we know how to fight back.
At J&Y, we believe passengers and crew members who have been stricken with COVID-19 on a cruise ship deserve justice. When you consult with us, we will determine whether you have a valid claim against the cruise line and, if you do, help you obtain just compensation. Our coronavirus cruise ship lawyers understand the trauma you have experienced and will offer you informed representation and caring, personal service during this trying time.
Risk Factors for Coronavirus on Cruise Ships
Cruise ships are a breeding ground for infectious diseases and respiratory viruses for a number of reasons, including:
- Passengers and crew members share confined areas of space
- Public areas are shared by thousands of people
- Crowds gather in close spaces during special events
- Shared ventilation systems that do not circulate fresh air through cabins or eradicate airborne germs
Numerous cruise ships have experienced cases of coronavirus or outbreaks, including vessels operated by:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Costa Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Princess Cruises
If you or a loved one contracted COVID-19 on a cruise ship, don’t go up against the cruise line alone. With our coronavirus cruise ship lawyers in your corner, you can rest assured your rights will be protected.
Stopping the Spread of Coronavirus on Cruise Ships
In March 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a “No Sail Order” ceasing operations of cruise ships in waters under U.S. jurisdiction. The order also requires cruise lines to develop comprehensive operational plans to help prevent, mitigate, and respond to the spread of COVID-19 going forward. On April 9, 2020, the CDC extended the No-Sail Order for an additional 100 days, which means cruise lines will not be able to resume operations until late July.
Prior to issuing the no sail order, the CDC also issued interim guidance for detecting and containing coronavirus on cruise ships. In short, the guidance required cruise lines and staff to:
- Follow proper guidelines for sanitizing ships
- Report anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 to medical staff
- Quarantine anyone who tests positive to his or her cabin
- Encourage social distancing onboard among passengers and crew members
Unfortunately, some cruise lines failed to follow the CDC guidelines, resulting in outbreaks of COVID-19 on cruise ships. Although a cruise line that has failed to follow these guidelines can be held liable by passengers who contract COVID-19, there are a number of challenges in bringing such claims. First, passenger contracts limit cruise line liability for illnesses and injuries that occur on board a cruise ship.
In addition, cruise lines have a history of dealing with viral outbreaks, such as norovirus, which is transmitted through food, and respiratory viruses that are recirculated through the ship’s ventilation system. As such, the cruise industry follows preexisting CDC protocols for sanitizing vessels to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, which cruise lines will likely use as a defense against liability for coronavirus-related injuries and wrongful death.
Nonetheless, cruise lines operating before the No Sail Order knew or should have known that there was an increased risk of coronavirus infection aboard their ships. Not only did cruise lines fail to contain the spread of coronavirus, passengers may not have been warned about the danger.
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, cruise lines did not have a contingency plan to deal with coronavirus: passengers were quarantined in their cabins for weeks while some ships were temporarily stranded at sea after being denied port. Ultimately, cruise lines must be held accountable for the massive exposure of passengers to COVID-19 on their ships.
Recovering Damages
When you consult with J&Y Law, we will determine whether you have a valid claim and choose the best course of action. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover damages by filing a civil lawsuit or joining a class-action lawsuit against the cruise line. A class action is one in which the claims of numerous people who have suffered similar harm are combined into a single action. A class action may help to increase the value of your claim and also force the cruise line to negotiate a settlement.
In any event, if you contracted coronavirus on a cruise ship, you may be able to recover compensation such as:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If your loved one died after contracting coronavirus as a passenger on a cruise ship, we can help you find justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. Above all, J&Y will stand by you every step of the way, fighting for every dollar you deserve.
Contact Our Experienced California Coronavirus Cruise Ship Lawyers
If you or a loved one contracted coronavirus on a cruise ship, you are probably overwhelmed and may not know where to turn. Remember, J&Y is here to help. Please contact our office today for a free consultation. You will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we win compensation for you.